What is Facelift Surgery?

A facelift can address imbalances without altering the natural expression of the face. As we get older, aging and gravity lead to the inevitable: the structures of the face begin to shift and we look much different than we once did. Even slight imbalances to the delicate skin and fat tissues of the face can cause a disconnect between how we feel on the inside and how we look on the outside. Excess skin tissue in one direction or another disturbs the general balance of the delicate facial features.

A facelift surgery refers to a procedure to re-adjust the excess of loose skin tissue, specifically around the lower third of the face where skin has become slack and jowly and remove skin folds and fat pads around the chin and neck. “Just as no face is the same, similarly, no facelift is the same,” explains Dr. Anthony J. Geroulis, board-certified cosmetic surgeon of North Shore Center for Facial, Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery. ” Facelift surgery, when performed with finesse, restores the ‘you’ from a few years ago. There is much analysis and detailed planning that is integral to a facelift surgery to provide a natural and youthful look that flows seamlessly in harmony with the specific bone structure and individuality of the facial features.”

When performed at the right time – which has less to do with age than with need, since we all age at different times – a facelift can make you look undeniably younger. And although after the procedure, aging inevitably reclaims its progress, the years gained through surgery will remain: you will always look younger than you would have had you not done anything at all.

Of the variety of facelift techniques performed, one known for being minimally invasive and remarkably effective in terms of the longest lasting results is called the S-Facelift. The S-Facelift involves one short incision which is remarkably hidden inside the crease of the ear, leaving no telltale signs. Unlike other facelift techniques, the hairline is untouched. Underlying neck muscles are delicately tightened and refined liposuction techniques that remove excess fat may be employed to re-sculpt and add definition to the neck and jaw line. Once excess skin is expertly removed or repositioned, much needed facial symmetry may be restored. The application of highly specialized techniques and innovative materials provide dramatically less bruising and swelling with minimal downtime.

Whether you are recommended a minimally invasive S-Facelift, a full facelift, a temporal facelift, or a targeted facelift limited to the upper third of the face, it is ultimately the surgeon’s surgical skill and vast experience, judgment and artistic vision, that will be critical to restoring facial appearance to one that is natural looking, refined and as individual and unique as the face itself.

Dr. Geroulis is a clinical professor of surgery with University of Chicago Medicine and an accomplished, active sculptor, who approaches each patient with highly skilled hands and an artistic eye to produce natural and effective results. North Shore Center for Facial, Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is located in Northfield with medical offices in Hoffman Estates and Chicago. Facelift consultation appointments with Dr. Geroulis will involve a full facial analysis to determine the ideal procedure plan, as well as time with your assigned patient care consultant to review aspects of your care, from preparing for the procedure to the recovery process, from surgery logistics to the fees expected. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Geroulis at any of these three locations, please call 847.441.4441.